Overview

Since March 2024, the District Government has been coordinating joint agency inspections at businesses suspected of selling cannabis illegally.

Participating agencies include ABCA, DC Health, Department of Buildings, Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection, and the Metropolitan Police Department. Other agencies including the DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department provide support as requested.

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To sell, manufacture, grow, or transport medical cannabis legally in DC, a business must be licensed by ABCA. Multiple business license types are available and can be applied for during open application periods. Adult cannabis sales are illegal in DC.

In most scenarios, ABCA proceeds with a business closure order following a business failing to comply with a written warning and cease and desist order in accordance with DC law. A business closure can also be issued without a written warning or cease and desist order in place if an imminent danger to the health or safety of the public exists.

Property owners who lease to an illegally operating cannabis business may be subject to civil and criminal penalties. ABCA issues a warning notification to a property owner following a cease and desist order being issued to the illegally operating business.

Below is a summary of multiagency efforts taken as of the referenced date.

The public can support multiagency inspection efforts by reporting suspected illegal cannabis businesses online. Complaints may be submitted anonymously.

Media Advisories

ABCA Shutters First Illegally Operating Cannabis Business (September 6, 2024)

ABCA Shutters Illegally Operating Cannabis Business (September 13, 2024)